The 2005 FIBA Americas Championship is played today through September 4. The host country is the Dominican Republic. The tournament's top four teams automatically qualify for the 2006 FIBA World Championships in Japan. In the world championships, 24 teams will compete. There are ten teams in the 2005 FIBA Americas Championship.

Argentina has already qualified for the 2006 FIBA World Championship, as they won the gold medal in the 2004 Olympics.

Argentina is also the previous Americas Championship winner, in Neuquen, in 2001.

As of September 1 thanks to results in this tournament, Brazil, the United States, Venezuela and Panama all clinched berths in the 2006 FIBA World Championships.

* Note that second round standings are based on games played in the second round plus first round games that involve teams that made it to the second round.

Brazil looks to be the favorite for this tournament as they bring four NBA players and also a mix of experience players and promising young stars as they look to qualify for the World Championship.

The Dominican Republic also has their best team available; They haven’t qualified for a FIBA World Championship since 1978. This is their best chance to qualify as they fill up their roster with Francisco Garcia, Luis Flores, and Jack Michael Martinez among other stars.

Argentina does not need to qualify directly but they will go with a team of talented players and good balance on both sides to do the best job possible.

Puerto Rico will go with a mix of young and veteran players. They will try to qualify and continue to play in World Championships.

Venezuela has a great team with promising rookies and veterans like Victor David Diaz, Richard Lugo and Oscar Torres.

Panama named Nolan Richardson as the head coach and the team is strong on fast break situations.

USA will have a team of professional players who have played in Europe, NBDL, NBA and CBA.

Mexico will rely on Omar Quintero and Horacio Llamas to qualify in this tournament.